Create a Family-Friendly Dining Room

Family FriendlyArticlesContemporaryDining RoomGrays/BlacksHardwood

A family-friendly dining room that works for casual and formal gatherings is a great update for households that like to entertain. Paying attention to the details and focusing on how the space will be used can lead to a space that feels comfortable enough for a family gathering and formal enough for a dinner party.

Learn more about this beautiful and versatile space in our interview with designer William MacDonald.

BDMS: What were your clients’ needs for this space?

William MacDonald: They wanted the space to be light and airy family-friendly and with enough seating space for extended family events.

BDMS: Were there any challenges to designing this space?

WM: Initially I had plans for a carpet but leaving the carpet out provides a sense of the casual easiness with a lot less maintenance.

BDMS: Do you have any special considerations or requirements when creating a dining room?

WM: Yes absolutely I like dining rooms that have very comfortable seats, no benches! And various sources of light for example pot lights a central chandelier, picture lights etc. I also like a big dining room that allows people to move around easily.

BDMS: How does the flooring play into your design?

WM: The flooring is a great part of the overall design after all it is the fifth wall. And in dining rooms I prefer elegant easily maintained floors ...and floors that allow for chairs to easily move back-and-forth.

BDMS: What makes this room functional?

WM: This room is made functional buy the use of the built-in sideboard and storage, it has three points of entry and is located next to the kitchen via a butler's pantry. The table is also expendable and can seat 18 people.

BDMS: Why did you choose these colors?

WM: I wanted to create a calm, serene and elegant space that could work both casually and formally and for day or night. So using shades of white gray and brown makes sense as it ticks all of those boxes.

BDMS: What is your favorite aspect of this room?

WM: My favorite aspect of this room is the architecture - the moldings and the internal windows that provides drama and character. Also the chandelier - it's very unique and acts as a wonderful focal point for the room.

BDMS: What did you client like the most?

WM: That's a good question I asked my client and she said it was impossible to answer as she loved the design I created, but she said the thing she likes the most was how she felt in the room..."at home." As a designer this is the ultimate complement.

About William

Toronto-based respected designer William MacDonald is the Principal of WillMac Design. His firm is best known for creating stylish approachable spaces that evoke a simple timeless elegance. Servicing clientele throughout Canada, The United States. and overseas. Follow him at @willmacdesign